The Poker Tour
Calling all game enthusiasts –— don’t miss your opportunity to participate in Puerto Vallarta’s annual Poker Tour on Saturday, January 12. The competition begins at 1 p.m. at Nacho Daddy at Basilio Badillo 287 in the Old Town.
From there, shuttles are scheduled to take participants to other sponsors, including Escondida, Gringo Loco, All Access & Bar La Playa, Kelly’s Pour Favor, Devil’s Bar, and ending at Murphy’s Irish Pub around 5 p.m.
Throughout the afternoon, players are to receive a card at each of the seven stops. Whoever has the best five-card hand combinations wins. In the end, Murphy’s will also host a raffle, give out awards and offer plenty of tequila, with music provided by Larry Foley.
A donation of 150 pesos is required to sign up, with 50 percent of the proceeds going to the Jay Sadler Project that sponsors community centers and public projects in Puerto Vallarta. This project helps fund various daycare centers, senior citizen homes, schools for disabled students, among other private institutions lacking public assistance in the region.
Tournament winners will receive the other half, with first place earning 50 percent, second place 30 percent, and third place 20 percent. If you would like more information, contact Jim Mawdesley at (332) 156-6327 or Donna Wong at (322) 190-5550, as well as their website: www.jaysadlerproject.com.
Act II Stages
Theatergoers in Vallarta (as well as visitors) should take note that Act II Stages is presenting a new play, opening Saturday, January 5, 7 p.m.
“The Foreigner,” a two-act comedy by U.S. playwright Larry Shue, was the first show directed by Danny Mininni when he came to Puerto Vallarta ten years ago. It performed to standing-room only houses at the old Boutique Theatre.
“The Foreigner” is the story of two guests, Charlie Baker and Staff Sergeant Froggy LeSueur, at a resort-style fishing lodge in rural Georgia. Charlie is depressed because his beloved wife may be dying. To help his friend, Froggy tells Betty Meeks, who owns the lodge, that Charlie is the native of an exotic country who does not understand a word of English. Betty, who has never traveled, is delighted to cater to a stranger who is “as foreign as the day is long.” Before long, things start to go awry, as Charlie finds himself privy to assorted secrets and scandals freely discussed in front of him by the other visitors. Charlie must “learn” English quickly and think on his feet if he wants to save the lodge and his new friends.
The play stars Alex McLauchlan as the charming and adorable Charlie (the Foreigner), as well as Maria Rose, Shawn Morgan, Branden Hayes, Al Carswell and Ocean Olson.
The play runs each Wednesday, 7 p.m. through March 27. As well as the January 5 opening, there is a bonus show on Saturday, January 12, 7 p.m.
Other shows at Act II in early 2019 include “Hair the Concert,” running Fridays, 7 p.m. though March 29 (opening January 11). This show celebrates youth, hippie counterculture, the anti-war movement and sexual revolution of the 1960s with a score of unforgettable hits, including “Hair,” “Aquarius,” “Easy to be Hard” and “Good Morning Starshine.”
Opening Monday, January 14, 5 p.m. is “Lee Squared,” featuring New York City Bistro and MAC Award winners David Maiocco and Chuck Sweeney, who present a musical/comedy show, honoring music legends, Liberace and Peggy Lee, who defined four decades of music and pop culture. Remaining shows on January 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, 28; February 1, 3 and 4; all at 5 p.m.
“I Got Rhythm,” a celebration of the music of George Gershwin, features beautiful harmonies, duets, solos, and mini vignettes of song, dance and story. Each song sparkles with pure Americana from the 1920s and 30’s. This art-deco themed show features Alfonso López, Marsha Ward Ross, MaryJo Nelson, Sasha del Océano, Alberto Ponce, and Andrew Sands. Opens Tuesday, January 22, 7 p.m. Runs each Tuesday through March 26.
“The Divine Miss M.” is a tribute to the music, comedy and career of Bette Midler, performed by Canadian songstress Miss Sandi D. The show features many of Midler’s hit songs – “The Rose,” “Wind Beneath My Wings,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Friends” – plus skits, stories and comedy. Opens Wednesday, January 9, 5 p.m. Remaining shows on January 16, 23, 30; February 6, 13, 20 and 27, all at 5 p.m.
And opening Saturday, January 19, 7 p.m. is the first show in a weekly run of the iconic American musical “Chicago,” directed by by Edoardo Rocha. Every Saturday through March 30, 7 p.m.
Act II Stages is at Basilio Badillo 330 in the Zona Romántica. Tickets available at the box office, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at (322) 222-1512 or online at actiientertainment.com.
Car Show
The Nuevo Vallarta Car Show Sunday, January 13, is an event for all ages featuring new models, antique, custom, racing and sports cars, as well as motorbikes. Entry is 20 pesos; 200 pesos to register a participating vehicle. There will be music, food, games, prizes and beer sales.
The venue of the show is the FIBBA car park, Boulevard Nuevo Vallarta s/n, across from Plaza 3:14. Open from 9 a.m. Also see facebook.com/Nuevovallartacarshow.